Circuit interrupters with electronically controlled lock out tag out systems and related electrical distribution systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Circuit breakers with a housing with a line side and a load side and an electronically controlled lock-out lock member coupled to the housing configured to electronically controllably travel between a first position and a second position. In the second position, the lock member is in a lock-out position and prevents the handle from moving to an ON position associated with electrical current conduction and in the first position the lock member is translated to a position that allows the handle to move to the ON position.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/951,415, filed Dec. 20, 2019, thecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if recited infull herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to circuit interrupters.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electrical switching apparatus such as circuit interrupters and, inparticular, circuit breakers, are well known in the art. See, forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 5,341,191, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference as if recited in full herein. Circuitinterrupters provide overcurrent protection devices used for circuitprotection and isolation. The circuit breaker provides electricalprotection whenever an electric abnormality occurs. For example, ArcFault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters(GFCI) are among a variety of overcurrent protection devices used forcircuit protection and isolation. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters reducefire hazards in electrical circuits by reducing the effects of highcurrent arcing faults (parallel arcs) as well as detecting persistentlow-current arcing faults (series arcs). Ground Fault CircuitInterrupters reduce the potential of electrical shock. Dual purposeAFCI/GFCI breakers are available which provide GFCI protection and AFCIprotection as combination type breakers from Eaton Corporation. Thecircuit interrupters can provide conventional thermal and magneticovercurrent protection.

In a typical circuit breaker, current enters the system from a powerline and passes through a line conductor to a stationary contact fixedon the line conductor, then to a movable contact. The movable contact isfixedly attached to a pivoting arm. Arc chutes can be used to direct anarc away from the electrical contacts into the arc chute. The arc chuteis situated proximate to the stationary contact of the circuit. As longas the stationary and movable contacts are in physical contact, currentpasses between the stationary contact and the movable contact and out ofthe circuit breaker to down-line electrical devices.

In the event of an overcurrent condition (e.g., a short circuit),extremely high electromagnetic forces can be generated. Theelectromagnetic forces can be used to separate the movable contact fromthe stationary contact. Upon separation of the contacts and blowing openthe circuit, an arcing condition occurs. The breaker's trip unit willtrip the breaker which will cause the contacts to separate. Also, arcingcan occur during normal “ON/OFF” operations of the breaker.

Lock out and tag out (LOTO), also known as “Lock & Tag” is an importantpart of safety procedures. Conventionally, one or more physical externalkeyed locks and an external notification/warning tag are applied to apiece of electrical distribution equipment in a manner that precludesenergy from reaching equipment. As is well known to those of skill inthe art, an example of a physical lock used for LOTO is a mechanicaltrapped key interlock such as the Kirk® trapped key interlock from KirkKey Interlock Company, North Canton, Ohio, that is placed on a circuitbreaker to prevent its internal contacts from closing (and thus,energization).

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention are directed to circuit interrupters withelectronically activatable lock-out locks that can be selectivelyoperated to move to a locked-out position.

Embodiments of the invention generate and use virtual and/or electronickeys rather than requiring physical keys.

Embodiments of the invention can control movement of at least onelock-out lock based on electronic verification(s) that allow only theuser initiating the lock-out state to remove the lock-out state and movethe lock-out lock to an unlocked position.

Embodiments of the invention can provide electronically operated lock(s)to provide a lock-out state without requiring a physical key of a keyedinterlock.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to circuit interrupters withan electronic lock out tag out system that controls a lock-out lock thatis actuatable to move between locked and unlocked positions. When in thelocked position, the lock blocks the circuit interrupter from beingenergized, such as blocking movement of an external switch handle to anON position) so that an installed circuit interrupter does not allowcurrent conduction between a line and a load side when the circuitinterrupter is in a lock out tag out state. When in the unlockedposition, the lock allows the circuit interrupter to be energized and/orallows the switch handle to move to an ON position.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to circuit interrupters thatinclude a housing with a line side and a load side; a switch handlecoupled to the housing; and an electronically operable lock comprising alock member coupled to the housing configured to electronicallycontrollably travel between a first position and a second position. Inthe second position, the lock member is in a lock-out position andprevents the handle from moving to an ON position associated withelectrical current conduction, and in the first position, the lockmember is in a position that allows the handle to move to the ONposition.

The lock can have a lock solenoid that is spaced apart from a primarytrip solenoid.

The lock can travel in a direction that is toward the handle to move tothe second position and travels in an opposing direction that is inwardaway from the handle to move to the first position.

The lock can travel in a direction that is perpendicular to a directionof travel of the primary trip solenoid.

The circuit interrupter can comprise a display and when in the LOTOstate, the display can display a LOTO status and/or warning.

The circuit interrupter can include a transceiver that communicates withthe trip unit and at least one mobile device to deploy the lock-out lockto move either to the first or the second position.

The at least one mobile device can comprise and/or be in communicationwith an APP that communicates with one or more circuit interrupters tocontrol actuation of the lock-out lock to move to the locked andunlocked positions.

The at least one lock-out lock can comprise a lock-out solenoid that canbe part of a trip unit of the circuit interrupter.

The lock member of the lock can physically block the handle from movingand provides a force that resists manual movement of the handle in arange of 10 lbf (foot pounds) to 10,000 lbf (foot pounds) when in thelocked-out position.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to circuit interrupters. Thecircuit interrupters include a housing with a line side and a load side;a switch handle coupled to the housing; and an electronically operablelock with a lock member configured to electronically controllably travelbetween a first position and a second position. In the second position,the lock member is in a lock-out position and prevents the handle frommoving to an ON position associated with electrical current conduction.In the first position, the lock member is in a position that allows thehandle to move to the ON position.

The lock member can include a lock solenoid that can be spaced apartfrom a primary trip solenoid.

The lock solenoid can travel in a direction that is toward the handle tomove to the second position and can travel inward away from the handleto move to the first position.

The lock solenoid can travel in a direction that is perpendicular to adirection of travel of the primary trip solenoid.

The circuit interrupter can further include a position sensor in thehousing configured to confirm whether the lock member is in the secondposition.

The circuit interrupter can also include a display held by the housingand at least one processor in the housing in communication with theprimary trip solenoid and the lock member. When the lock member is inthe second position, the display can display visual indicia of a lockout tag out status of the circuit interrupter, optionally with a “DO NOTOPERATE” warning and a name of a person placing the circuit interrupterin the lock out tag out status.

The lock member can be configured to controllably move to the firstposition and/or the second position in response to activation of anactuator of the lock member by one or more defined electronic keystransmitted to a component of or coupled to (e.g., a trip unit of) thecircuit interrupter by a user.

The circuit interrupter can further include a transceiver held by or inthe housing and in communication with the lock member. The transceivercan be configured to receive control signals from a first mobile deviceof a first user to cause the lock member to move to the second position.

The transceiver can be configured to receive control signals from amobile device of a user and can be configured to only allow the lockmember to move to the second position if the user is the first userand/or the mobile device is the first mobile device to thereby provideadditional layer of safety for removing the lock out status by only theoriginal, first user.

The primary trip solenoid and the lock member can be provided ascomponents of a trip unit in the housing. The trip unit can include acommunications interface with a display and can be configured tocommunicate with a communications bus of an electrical distributionsystem.

The trip unit can further include: a printed circuit board coupled to atleast one processor and a movable contact arm.

The circuit interrupter can be configured to wirelessly communicate witha mobile device comprising and/or in communication with an APP toprovide a digital key to control movement of the lock member.

The circuit interrupter can be configured to require multiple electronickeys before electronically directing the lock member to move from thesecond position to the first position.

Other embodiments are directed to electrical distribution systems. Thesystems include: a housing and a plurality of circuit breakers held bythe housing, each having at least one lock-out lock and trip unit with adisplay. The at least one lock-out lock is electronically selectivelycontrolled to be moveable to a locked position and to an unlockedposition. The locked position is associated with a locked-out state ofthe circuit breaker associated with an OFF state of non-conduction. Thesystems further include a dashboard in communication with the pluralityof circuit breakers. The dashboard displays status of the circuitbreakers as one of: in a locked-out state; in an ON state associatedwith (electrical) conduction; in an OFF state associated with(electrical) non-conduction; or in a tripped state. The dashboard isconfigured to receive a lock-out state signal from a respective circuitbreaker when placed in a locked-out state and/or after a position sensorin or on the circuit breaker has verified that the at least one lock-outlock is properly deployed to the locked position.

At least one of the circuit breakers can be configured to requiremultiple electronic keys to be communicated thereto beforeelectronically directing the lock-out lock thereof to move from thelocked position to the unlocked position.

The circuit breakers can be configured to wirelessly communicate withmobile devices comprising and/or in communication with an APP used tocontrol movement of the at least one lock-out lock.

The circuit breakers can be configured to wirelessly communicate with amobile device comprising and/or in communication with a lock out tag out(LOTO) APP to control movement of the at least one lock-out lock(typically using a digital key provided by the APP).

Yet other embodiments are directed to methods of operating a currentinterrupter. The methods include: providing a circuit interrupter withan electronically controllable lock-out lock; electronically receivingat least one digital key; then electronically directing the lock-outlock to move to a locked position associated with a lock out state ofthe circuit interrupter to block a handle from moving to an ON positionassociated with conduction; and displaying a “do not operate” message ona display of the circuit interrupter when in the lock out state therebyproviding a warning tag out alert for the circuit interrupter.

The method can further include electronically sending a lock-out statesignal to a dashboard to indicate a lock-out status of a respectivecircuit interrupter when in a lock-out state.

The method can further include electronically receiving at least onedigital key before electronically directing the lock-out lock to movefrom the locked position to an unlocked position.

The at least one digital key can optionally be provided by a lock-outtag-out APP using a mobile device of a user.

The electronically receiving at least one digital key beforeelectronically directing the lock-out lock to move from the lockedposition to the unlocked position can require multiple electronic keysas the at least one digital key before allowing the lock-out lock tomove from the unlocked position.

The method can further include electronically generating one or multipleelectronic keys that are operable for allowing a user to concurrentlydirect movement of a plurality of lock-out locks of different circuitinterrupters to the locked position or to an unlocked position.

Yet other embodiments are directed to field retrofit lock-out locksystems for a circuit breaker. The kits include a bracket configured tocouple to a housing of a circuit breaker and an electromechanicalactuator assembly coupled to or coupleable to the bracket. Theelectromechanical actuator assembly includes: an electronic controlcircuit configured to accept a digital key input from a user; anactuator in communication with the electronic control circuit; and alock member controlled by the actuator. The actuator is configured tomove the lock member in first and second directions between first andsecond positions relative to a switch handle of the circuit breaker inresponse to directions from the electronic control circuit. In the firstposition, the lock member blocks the switch handle from moving and inthe second position, the lock member unblocks the switch handle.

The electronic control circuit can include a transceiver.

The electronic control circuit can be configured to wirelesslycommunicate with a mobile device comprising and/or in communication withan APP to control the actuator to move the lock member only upon receiptof a defined digital key input provided to the mobile device by the APP.

The bracket and actuator assembly can reside external to the housing ofthe circuit breaker.

The electronic control circuit can be configured to require multipledefined electronic key inputs before directing the actuator to move thelock member from the first position to the second position.

Further features, advantages and details of the present invention willbe appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading ofthe figures and the detailed description of the preferred embodimentsthat follow, such description being merely illustrative of the presentinvention.

It is noted that aspects of the invention described with respect to oneembodiment, may be incorporated in a different embodiment although notspecifically described relative thereto. That is, all embodiments and/orfeatures of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/orcombination. Applicant reserves the right to change any originally filedclaim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to be ableto amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporateany feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in thatmanner. These and other objects and/or aspects of the present inventionare explained in detail in the specification set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an electrical distribution systemaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is another schematic illustration of an electrical distributionsystem according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is another schematic illustration of an electrical distributionsystem according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B is a circuit diagram of an example circuitinterrupter with trip unit according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5A is a partially exploded view of components of an example circuitbreaker with electronic lock-out according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5B is an enlarged partial view of a dashboard shown in FIG. 5Aaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a trip unit with a user interfaceallowing a user to enter a digital key code for operating the lock-outlock according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a system configured to allow oneinput to concurrently electronically move a lock-out lock of variouscircuit interrupters to a lock position or to an unlocked position usingone or more digital keys according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of system that employs a uniqueidentifier associated with a mobile device to provide a digital key foroperating the lock-out lock according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of system that employs biometric dataof a user for operating the lock-out lock according to embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of example actions that can be used to control alock-out state of a circuit interrupter according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of example actions of an electrical distributionsystem for initiating and removing a LOTO state of a circuit interrupteraccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an example data processing systemaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a partial cutaway view of an example circuit breakeraccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of an example kit of componentsproviding electronic LOTO operation suitable for retrofit of existingcircuit interrupters, such as breakers, according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of an example circuit breaker withan electronically controllable key interlock according to embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 16 is an example electrical power distribution system comprising amain-tie-main configuration with interlock keys comprisingelectronically operable LOTO according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrativeembodiments of the invention are shown. Like numbers refer to likeelements and different embodiments of like elements can be designatedusing a different number of superscript indicator apostrophes (e.g., 10,10′, 10″, 10′″).

In the drawings, the relative sizes of regions or features may beexaggerated for clarity. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The term“Fig.” (whether in all capital letters or not) is used interchangeablywith the word “Figure” as an abbreviation thereof in the specificationand drawings. In the figures, certain layers, components or features maybe exaggerated for clarity, and broken lines illustrate optionalfeatures or operations unless specified otherwise. In addition, thesequence of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order presentedin the claims unless specifically indicated otherwise.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layersand/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/orsections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only usedto distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section fromanother region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component,region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a secondelement, component, region, layer or section without departing from theteachings of the present invention.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath”, “below”, “bottom”, “lower”,“above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will beunderstood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompassdifferent orientations of the device in use or operation in addition tothe orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device inthe figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath”other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the otherelements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompassorientations of above, below and behind. The device may be otherwiseoriented (rotated 90° or at other orientations) and the spatiallyrelative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of this specification andthe relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overlyformal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

The term “about” refers to numbers in a range of +/−20% of the notednumerical value.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. Itwill be further understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises,”“including” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood thatwhen an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” toanother element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the otherelement or intervening elements may be present. As used herein, the term“and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to circuitinterrupters with electronic lock out tag out systems configured toprevent energization or conduction of electrical current between lineand load sides during servicing, for example. The figures illustratecircuit breakers as an example circuit interrupter but embodiments ofthe present invention may be useful for other circuit interruptersincluding fused disconnect switches, for example.

The term “APP” refers to a computer program configured to providedefined functionality on a computer including pervasive computingdevices and/or mobile devices such as an electronic notebook or notepad,smart phone, laptop, and the like. In some embodiments, thefunctionality of the APP may be accessible via an icon on a display ofthe computer and/or may be accessed by other user input, such as inputprovided by a typed or spoken user interface of the computer. Thecomputer program may comprise computer program code configured to residein a memory of the computer to be accessed and executed by a processoror other computing circuit of the computer, but the embodiments of theinvention are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the computerprogram code, processor, and/or memory may be located remotely from thecomputer providing the functionality, such as in a networkedenvironment, or “cloud.”

As employed herein, the term “processor” shall mean a programmableanalog and/or digital device that can store, retrieve, and process data;a computer; a workstation; a personal computer; a digital signalprocessor (DSP); a microprocessor; a microcontroller; a microcomputer; acentral processing unit; a mainframe computer; a mini-computer; aserver; a networked processor; a programmable logic device (PLD); acombination of a plurality of logic gates; or any suitable processingdevice or apparatus.

As employed herein, the terms “electronic key” and “digital key” areused interchangeably and mean a defined electronic alphanumeric codethat is associated with a respective user. The digital key can be aunique identity code associated with a mobile device of a respectiveuser, such as, for example, an International Mobile Equipment Identity(IMEI) and/or an IP address. The digital key can be provided by an APPor other electronic key generation and/or identity verification system.The digital key can be provided by an authorized user database and/oruser access system in communication with an authorized user database.The digital key can be provided to an internal lock-out interlock systemof a circuit breaker and/or external and coupled to the circuit breakervia a communications interface including, for example, a Bluetoothcommunication connection with a respective mobile device. The digitalkey can be entered via a Human Machine Interface (HMI) such as via adisplay user interface or a keypad or reader input of the circuitbreaker.

As employed herein, the term “trip unit style” shall mean a particulartrip unit style corresponding to a particular style identifier; aparticular trip unit style corresponding to a particular communicationmessage structure for settings, real-time data and/or event data; or aparticular trip unit manufacturing configuration that determines thecapabilities of the trip unit. A given style trip unit has a non-varyingstructure for settings, real-time data or event data. Non-limitingexamples of style differences include number of poles, ground faultcapabilities, IEC vs. IEEE curves, and maintenance mode capable.

Example embodiments are described in association with a four-polecircuit breaker, although the disclosed concept is applicable toelectrical switching apparatus having any number of poles.

Turning now to FIGS. 1-3, example electrical distribution systems 10 areshown. The systems 10 comprise a plurality of circuit interrupters 15such as circuit breakers 15 b. The circuit interrupters 15 each comprisea trip unit 24. Generally stated, and as is well known to those of skillin the art, the circuit interrupters each have separable main contactsthat may be operated either manually by way of a switch handle 228 (FIG.2) disposed on the outside of the case or automatically in response toan overcurrent condition. The switch handle 228 can move verticallybetween ON and OFF positions or may be a rotary handle that rotatescircumferentially at least 90 degrees between the ON and OFF positions.Typically, the circuit interrupters 15 include an operating mechanism,which is designed to rapidly open and close the separable main contacts.The circuit interrupters 15 can each include a trip unit 24, whichsenses overcurrent conditions in an automatic mode of operation. Uponsensing an overcurrent condition, the trip unit 24 trips the operatingmechanism to a trip state, which moves the separable contacts to theiropen position. The term “trip unit” is well known to those of skill inthe art and refers to certain components in the circuit interrupter 15,including a microprocessor 30, power supply 33 (FIG. 4A) and circuitrythat control a trip actuator (solenoid) 8 (FIG. 4A) that causes maincontacts to separate and monitors for current and voltage signals, forexample. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,649,147 for examples of trip units24, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as ifrecited in full herein.

The microprocessor 30 can be configured to, inter alia, monitor forand/or detect various types of overcurrent trip conditions and toprovide various protection functions, such as, for example, a long delaytrip, a short delay trip, an instantaneous trip, and/or a ground faulttrip. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,910,760; 6,144,271; and8,649,147, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference asif recited in full herein.

Each circuit interrupter 15 can include at least one lock-out lock 28configured to allow a user to electronically direct the lock-out lock 28to move to a locked position from an unlocked position to provide a lockout tag out (LOTO) state of the circuit interrupter 15. In the lockedposition, the at least one lock-out lock 28 prevents the circuitinterrupter 15 from being energized, e.g., prevents the main contactsfrom closing. The at least one lock-out lock 28 can be configured tophysically block a switch handle 228 (FIGS. 2, 4A) coupled to thecircuit interrupter 15 from being able to move to an ON position(associated with conduction) when in the locked position.

The switch handle 228 can extend outwardly from a housing 15 h of thecircuit interrupter 15. As is well known to those of skill in the art,when the circuit interrupter 15 is a circuit breaker 15 b (FIGS. 4A, 4B,13), the housing 15 h can also enclose the stationary contact and themovable arm 840 (FIG. 13) with the movable contact and other circuitbreaker components.

The at least one lock-out lock 28 can be positioned and configured todirectly physically block this switch handle 228 in a locked state.

The switch handle 228 can reside inside a cabinet 100 of a powerdistribution system (FIG. 16) and can couple to an externally accessibleswitch handle 1228 that can be accessible via a cover of the cabinet 100(FIG. 16) and the handles 228, 1228 can move in concert. The at leastone lock-out lock 28 can directly block/couple to the externallyaccessible switch handle 1228 in the locked state, which, in turn,blocks the internal switch handle 228 from movement in the locked state.The cabinet 100 can hold a plurality of circuit interrupters 15 betweenfeeder sections 150 ₁, 150 ₅ (FIG. 16) and some or all can include theat least one electronically operable lock-out lock 28. For examples ofcabinets with buckets having circuit interrupters and cooperatinginternal and external switch handles, see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.10,186,847 (see, e.g., FIG. 4B), the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference as if recited in full herein.

The at least one electronically operable lock-out lock 28 can beconfigured to provide an anti-rotational force against the handle 228and/or handle 1228 that cannot easily, if at all, be overcome by manualbrute force of a user's hand attempting to move the handle to the ONposition when the at least one lock-out lock 28 is engaged. In someexample embodiments, this force “F” can be in a range of 10 lbf to10,000 lbf (“lbf” refers to “foot pounds”).

Each circuit interrupter 15 can also include at least one positionsensor 29 that can provide data to confirm that the at least onelock-out lock 28 is fully deployed to the proper, secure, lockedposition. The at least one position sensor 29 can be coupled to thecommunications interface 32 or other circuitry for providingconfirmation of position to the dashboard 50 and/or the mobile device200. The at least one position sensor 29 can comprise a proximitysensor, a (digital) camera, an optical sensor such as an opticalencoder, a potentiometer, an LVDT, a capacitive linear electrode orother position sensor or combinations of different types of positionsensors.

The at least one lock-out lock 28 can comprise and/or be an internallock-out lock 28 that resides entirely or partially inside the housing15 h of the circuit interrupter 15.

The circuit interrupter 15 may also comprise a display 25. When the atleast one lock-out lock 28 is moved to the locked position, the display25 can present visual indicia 26 that identifies a lock out state suchas a warning, icon or other visual and/or textual data identifying thelock out state. The trip unit 24 can be configured to automaticallycause the display 25 to display the visual indicia 26 responsive to thelock-out lock 28 being moved to the locked position. The visual indicia26 can provide a textual and/or graphic display output to the display 25such as a textual “DO NOT OPERATE” indicia and/or a textual “WARNING”indicia and/or a defined graphic visual, optionally over a background ofred diagonal lines.

The at least one lock-out lock 28 may be configured to operate inresponse to verification/input of an electronic key to thereby allowonly a user that electronically initiated the LOTO state of the circuitinterrupter 15 to electronically remove that state. Upon receipt/inputof the electronic (digital) key, the circuit interrupter 15 canelectronically direct an actuator 28 a (FIGS. 2, 4A) that is coupled tothe at least one lock-out lock 28 to move/actuate to move the associatedlock member 28 m to the unlocked position as will be discussed furtherbelow.

The circuit interrupters 15 can communicate with at least one dashboard50 over a communication bus 40. The dashboard 50 can comprise a displaythat illustrates operational status of virtual circuit interrupters 15 vcorresponding to the actual circuit interrupters 15.

The communication bus 40 can be hard wired to the dashboard 50 via acommunications cable 41 and/or may wirelessly communicate with thedashboard 50. The communications bus 40 can comprise a Modbus®configuration or other communications bus configuration.

In some embodiments, each circuit interrupter 15 can comprise acommunications interface 32 that can communicate with the dashboard 50.The communications interface 32 can be coupled to a dashboard 50 via acommunication bus 40.

The system 10 can optionally include a database 55 that correlatesdifferent (authorized) users to different electronic identifiers. Thedatabase 55 can reside at least partially in the dashboard 50 orremotely in one or more servers. The circuit interrupter 15 can beconfigured to electronically identify a user that initiates the lock-outstate and provide a name of the user to the display 25, as well as adate that the lock-out state is made. The name and/or date can also betransmitted to the dashboard 50. The database 55 can be configured togenerate a one-time digital lock out key and/or a digital unlock keythat may have a defined time limit before expiring. The time limit maybe in minutes, hours or one (1) or more days.

The communications interface 32 of each circuit interrupter 15 cancomprise a transceiver 32 t.

In some embodiments, the transceiver 32 t that can wirelesslycommunicate with a mobile communications device 200 of a user (serviceor installation personnel, for example) to direct the at least onelock-out lock 28 to move to the locked position or the unlockedposition.

Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic illustration of an example circuitinterrupter 15 showing certain circuit components facilitating theelectronic lock-out system is shown. As shown, the circuit interrupter15 includes a microprocessor 30, a display 25, a position sensor 29, atleast one lock-out lock 28, a power supply 33 and a communicationsinterface 32, which can include a transceiver 32 t. The communicationsinterface 32 can communicate with the dashboard 50 via a communicationsbus 40 as discussed above.

The at least one lock-out lock 28 can reside entirely in the housing 15h of the circuit interrupter 15 or may reside entirely or partiallyexternal to the housing 15 h of the circuit interrupter 15.

The at least one lock-out lock 28 can reside in the housing 15 h in anunlocked position and may reside at least partially outside the housing15 h in the locked position. Where more than one lock-out lock 28 isused, one may reside inside the housing 15 h and one may reside outsidethe housing 15 h.

In some embodiments, a mobile device 200 of a user can wirelessly, suchas via BLUETOOTH wireless technology, communicate with thecommunications interface 32 to move the at least one lock-out lock 28 toa blocked or unblocked position. The position sensor 29 can provide datathat confirms that the at least one lock-out lock 28 is properlydeployed to the locked position or that provides a warning that the lock28 is not properly positioned. The display 25 can display the visualindicia 26 of the LOTO status of the circuit interrupter 15. Themicroprocessor 30 and/or the communications interface 32 can direct theactuator 28 a to actuate to move the at least one lock-out lock 28 tothe locked or unlocked position based on the wireless communication fromthe user via the mobile device 200.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the mobile device 200 can comprise a LOTO APP210 that can provide electronic key data for a user to use to initiatethe LOTO state and/or remove the LOTO state of one or more circuitinterrupters 15. The LOTO APP 210 may optionally be accessed by an icon2101 graphically illustrating a keyed-lock, for example.

The at least one lock-out lock 28 may be used in place of conventionalphysical keyed locks such as padlocks and hasps or handle blocks and/ormechanical interlocks such as Kirk® key interlocks. Embodiments of theinvention can be configured to reduce the possibility of, if noteliminate the possibility of, an unauthorized user with a duplicatephysical key used to unlock a circuit interrupter 15 that is in a LOTOstate. A user can electronically control the at least one lock-out lock28 via use of one or more electronic keys 225.

The electronic keys 225 can be provided by the system 10, optionally bythe dashboard 50 and/or remote database 55. A respective electronic key225 can be different for different users, different for a respectiveuser and each circuit interrupter 15, generated as a unique code with anexpiration date and time, or provided in other desired formats.

FIG. 3 illustrates that the at least one lock-out lock 28 can comprisean actuator 28 a coupled to a power supply 33. The power supply 33 cancomprise a battery or a hard-wired power source. The power supply 33 canbe an inductively powered power supply. The power supply 33 can beinternal or external to the housing 15 h of the breaker 15.

The actuator 28 a can be a linear actuator or a rotary actuator.

The electronically controlled at least one lock-out lock 28 mayoptionally be used with a conventional externally keyedmechanical/manually physically operated interlock 108 which uses aphysical key 108 k to open to remove the LOTO state of the circuitinterrupter 15. This can provide an additional layer of security as auser that initiated the lock-out state can have a unique electronic keyor access code for the lock-out lock 28 even if a different user is ableto obtain a duplicate physical key and unlock the externally manuallyoperable keyed interlock 108.

FIG. 3 also illustrates that the circuit interrupter 15 can comprise akeypad 125 as an HMI 1125 as well as the display 25. A user can enter a(unique) code that can be entered using the keypad 125 to electronicallydirect the at least one lock-out lock 28 to selectively move to thelocked or the locked position. The display 25 may optionally include areader 25R such as a barcode or quick read (QR) code reader that canread a barcode or QR code provided as the electronic key 225 by themobile device 200 to allow the user to initiate or remove the LOTOstate.

As shown in FIG. 2, the LOTO APP 210 can provide data windows 211 a, 211b that support a user's ability to direct the at least one lock-out lock28 to move to the locked or unlocked position. For example, one window211 a can be configured to allow a user to select a locked or unlockedposition (211 a) of the at least one lock-out lock 28. That same windowor a different window may be configured to allow a user to enter aserial number or other identifier of a target circuit interrupter 15(which can also be directly uploaded or identified using thecommunications interface 32 of a respective circuit interrupter 15),and/or enter a user name (which can also be auto-filled in the datasegment based on the electronic data of the mobile device associatedwith that person) of a person seeking to initiate or remove the LOTOstate and the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, the LOTO APP 210 can optionally generate a uniquecode 213 assigned to a user providing the electronic key 225 for aparticular requested LOTO initiation or removal of one or more circuitinterrupters 15. That unique code 213 can be generated by and/orreceived or accessed using the LOTO APP 210.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an example circuit breaker 15 b with a tripunit 24 that comprises a plug'n'play communication protocol approach toa field bus interface in order to reduce the number of styles of acommunication adapter. In this example embodiment, only a singlecommunication adapter module (CAM) 18 is required to be employed foreach field bus, independent of the particular trip unit style. In otherwords, for example and without limitation, a single Modbus® CAM (M-CAM)will work with all of the particular family of trip units (e.g., familystyle #1; family style #2). This permits a single style of CAM tosupport a plurality of different trip unit styles, which reduces thenumber of styles of the example CAM 18. However, other communicationconfigurations can be employed.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the trip unit 24 can optionally have anarchitecture that includes a plurality (shown as three) exampleindependent functional sections: (1) a processor 30 which can be part ofan example protection processor (PP) 110; (2) an operator panel, such asthe example Human-Machine Interface (HMI) 1125 comprising a trip unit'sdisplay/operator panel 25; and (3) a communication adapter module (CAM)18. The CAM 18 is a device that connects a product to a communicationnetwork (e.g., a communications or field bus 40). Alternatively, the PP110 and the HMI 1125 can be combined into a single functional unit.

FIGS. 4A, 4B also illustrate the separable contacts 6 and an operatingmechanism, such as the example trip actuator circuit (TA) 8 structuredto open and close the separable contacts 6. The trip unit 24 controlsthe trip actuator 8 to trip open the separable contacts 6. The trip unit24 can include a protection processor circuit (PP) 110, having theprocessor 30 and a first memory 14 storing a first set of a plurality oftrip unit settings 16. The trip unit 24 can comprise a communicationadapter module (CAM) 18, which is separable from the example PP 110 orseparable from the trip unit 24. The example CAM 18 includes a secondprocessor 20 and a second memory, such as a non-volatile memory 22,storing a second set of a plurality of trip unit settings 124. Theexample CAM 18 is structured to save the trip unit settings 16 as thesaved settings 124 in the second memory 22, and to restore the savedsettings 124 in the first memory 14 of the PP 110 or of anotherprocessor (not shown) of another trip unit (not shown). Hence, if thetrip unit 124 or PP 110 fails, then the CAM 18 can be separatedtherefrom and installed on another trip unit (not shown) or PP (notshown), and the saved settings 124 can be downloaded from the CAM memory22 to the trip unit memory 14 of the other trip unit or PP. The PP 110saves the saved settings 124 in the separable CAM 18 and provides theability to restore those settings 124 in a replacement trip unit (notshown) or PP (not shown). The PP 110, the HMI 1125 comprising thedisplay 25 and the CAM 18 can communicate, for example, through twoexample full-duplex serial links 1128,1130 (e.g., without limitation,RS-422): (1) the serial link 1128 is between the PP 110 and the HMI1125; and the serial link 1130 is between the PP 110 and the CAM 18.Each of the PP 110, the HMI 1125 and the CAM 18 is, thus, structured tocommunicate through one or both of the example full-duplex serial links1128, 1130. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,649,147 for examples of tripunits 24 having the above-components, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference as if recited in full herein.

Still referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, as discussed above, the trip unit 24can cooperate with and/or include at least one lock-out actuator 28 aand at least one lock-out lock 28. The lock out actuator 28 a can bepowered by the internal power supply 33. The processor 30 can be coupledto the lock out actuator 28 a to controllably actuate the actuator 28 ato move the lock 28 to the locked position or the unlocked position inresponse to electronic input from a user, typically via an electronickey. The processor 30 can also be coupled to the position sensor 29. Alock-out status signal can be transmitted to the communication link 1128to the HMI and display 25. When in a locked-out state, a lock-out statussignal can be transmitted to the dashboard 50 via communication link1130 to the communication interface 32, then to the communication bus40, optionally via another communications interface 132 (FIG. 4B).

The PP 110 can also output to a number of trip and status indicators,such as a plurality of cause of trip LEDs 46. A +3 VDC battery 42 in aframe rating module/bridge circuits interface 44 can provide redundantpower for the cause of trip LEDs 46. If the circuit interrupter 15 wereto trip and control power be lost, then the LED states can be maintainedin a latch 48 by the battery 42. This battery 42 can be located at anysuitable position on the trip unit 24.

A high instantaneous trip circuit 56 is a separate analog peak detectingcircuit set to match the withstand rating of the frame of the circuitbreaker 15. The high instantaneous trip circuit 56 can trip the circuitbreaker 15 b without any intervention by the processor 30. This providestrip operation faster than a short delay setting and acts as a fail-safein the event of a failure of the processor 30. A making current release(MCR) circuit 58 is a safety feature that prevents the circuit breaker15 b from being closed and latched-in on a fault. This can be anon-adjustable sensing circuit.

Where used, the CAM 18 can include a second communication interface 132that provides a connection to a communication network (e.g., withoutlimitation, a communications (field) bus 40). For example, multiplestyles of the CAM 18 can be provided to support various field businterfaces (e.g., without limitation, Modbus®; PROFI BUS PROCESS FIELDBUS®; INCOM; Ethernet; DeviceNet). For example and without limitation,an Ethernet CAM can support a “tool kit” that provides a set of commonmachine-to-machine services along with a web page server, a BACnetinterface, and ModBus® TCP. Non-limiting examples of the INCOM networkand protocol are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,644,547; 4,644,566;4,653,073; 5,315,531; 5,548,523; 5,627,716; 5,815,364; and 6,055,145,which are incorporated by reference as recited in full herein. Hence,the CAM 18 can be selected from a plurality of different CAMs (notshown) to provide an interface to a selected one of a plurality ofcorresponding different field busses (not shown).

Where used, the CAM 18 can optionally further includes a set 72 ofbreaker open/close relays and contacts. Circuit breaker open and closerelays (not shown) are controlled by the CAM processor 20 to controlrelay contacts (not shown) in response to a communication requestthrough the communication interface 132 for opening or closing thecircuit breaker 15 b. A motor operator (not shown) can be wired throughthe close relay contact to close the circuit breaker 15 b (when not in alocked-out state) while a circuit breaker shunt trip (not shown) can bewired through the open relay contact to open the circuit breaker 15 b.

A “source ground” jumper 74 on the CAM 18 selects between residualground current computation by the processor 30, or direct measurement ofground current via an external ground current transformer (CT) (notshown). There can be two ground fault modes that the circuit breaker 15b can be configured for: source ground or residual ground. The trip unitprocessor 30 can input a jumper input 76 to determine the selectedconfiguration for the circuit breaker 15 b. With the jumper 74 in, thecircuit breaker 15 b is in a source mode, and without the jumper 74, thecircuit breaker 15 b is in a residual mode.

The CAM 18 and HMI 1125 can be structured to (indirectly) communicatewith each other via the PP 110 by relaying messages through the tripunit 24. The communication protocol can have a limited address fieldthat permits each device (CAM 18, HMI 1125, or trip unit 24) to directthe communication to another device. For example, the HMI 1125 can learnand adjust setpoints located in both the trip unit 24 and the CAM 18.Since it physically connects only to the trip unit 24, it sets theaddress to the CAM 18 and the trip unit 24 retransmits messages from theHMI 1125 to the CAM 18 when it detects the address of the CAM 18 in themessage packet. Responses from the CAM 18 are likewise retransmitted tothe HMI 1125 when the trip unit 24 detects the HMI's address.

The trip actuator circuit 8 can contain logic and current amplification,allowing a trip solenoid to be activated by the processor 30. Thesolenoid may also be activated directly by input signals, therebybypassing the processor 30, under extremely high input currents or inthe event of a processor failure.

The example processor 30 contains programming to perform protection,metering, event capture, and communication functions. The examplemetering function converts voltage and current inputs to engineeringunits. These values are also sent to the protection algorithms todetermine whether a trip condition exists. Certain events aretime-stamped and stored in the nonvolatile memory 14 for eventualtransmission to the HMI of the display 25 and/or CAM 18. Metered values,breaker status, and events information are transmitted over thecommunications ports 52, 54. In addition, various settings may be reador written over the communications ports 52,54.

Where used, the CAM 18 can comprise the second processor 20, a field-businterface 55, and a full-duplex communication interface 132 to thedevice (trip unit 24) as shown in FIG. 4B. A processor programming port(not shown) can be employed to program the CAM processor 20. This istypically done once in the factory.

The second processor 20 can contain programming to handle: (1)communications with the PP 110; (2) field bus communications; and (3)event storage. Metered values, circuit breaker status, and eventsinformation are transmitted from the PP 110 to the CAM processor 20. TheCAM 18 updates and maintains a database of this information to supportfield bus communications. In addition, various settings may be read fromor written to the PP 110. The processor 20 receives messages from thefield bus 40, decodes the messages, and assembles the appropriateresponses. The processor 20 also stores events that are received fromthe PP 110.

The circuit breakers 15 b can be molded case circuit breakers (MCCB)s.MCCBs are well known. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,503,408, 4,736,174,4,786,885, and 5,117,211, the contents of which are hereby incorporatedby reference as if recited in full herein. The circuit breakers 15 b canbe a bi-directional DC MCCB. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,222,983, thecontent of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if recited infull herein. The DC MCCBs can be suitable for many uses such as datacenter, photovoltaic, and electric vehicle applications.

As is known to those of skill in the art, Eaton Corporation hasintroduced a line of MCCBs designed for commercial and utility scalephotovoltaic (PV) systems. Used in solar combiner and inverterapplications, Eaton PVGard™ circuit breakers are rated up to 600 Amp at1000 Vdc and can meet or exceed industry standards such as UL 489B,which requires rigorous testing to verify circuit protection that meetsthe specific requirements of PV systems. However, it is contemplatedthat the circuit breakers 15 b can be used for various applications withcorresponding voltage capacity/rating.

In some embodiments, the circuit breakers 10 can be DC circuit breakers,AC circuit breakers, or both AC (alternating current) and DC (directcurrent) circuit breakers.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, an example electrical distributionsystem 10 with at least one circuit interrupter 15 and a remotedashboard 50 is shown. The remote dashboard 50 can be provided on aworkstation stand and comprise a display 50 d. The display 50 d can beconfigured to illustrate operational status of a plurality of circuitinterrupters 15 as virtual circuit interrupters 15 v. A circuitinterrupter 15 that is locked out can be virtually represented in avisually prominent format different from other display formats ofcircuit interrupters in other states. As shown, the virtualrepresentation 15 v of the locked out circuit interrupter 15 l is shownwith a visually transmissive overlayer of a color and/or graphic that isdifferent from circuit interrupters having ON, OFF or tripped states.For example, all connected circuit interrupters 15 can be represented bya corresponding rectangular graphic 15 r. A “red” visually transmissiveoverlayer 15 o can be displayed over a rectangular graphic 15 rrepresenting the locked out circuit interrupter 15 l. The dashboard 50can also be configured to provide the date and name of the user placingthe circuit interrupter 15 in the locked out state. The dashboard 50 canbe configured to monitor a duration of the locked out status of arespective circuit interrupter 15 and provide service alerts or messagesto the user that applied the locked out state or to a service manager,for example at one or more time periods thereby allowing serviceoversight. Data regarding undue lengths of a locked out state may beprovided to the dashboard, e.g., service repair on hold for partordering.

FIG. 6 illustrates that the circuit interrupter 15 can be configured toallow a user to enter a personalized code as the digital key 225 via anHMI 1125 such as the display 25, a keypad 125 or BLUETOOTH wirelesscommunication entry from a mobile device 200. A user may also enterother relevant tag out data electronically, including expectedcompletion date. The personalized code can be electronically correlatedto a user's name and department and this data can be automaticallypopulated in fields of a display screen to display 25 as part of theLOTO display 26. This same personalized code can be used to remove thelock out state and move the lock out lock 28 to the unlocked position inthe circuit interrupter 15. Multiple users, each with unique(personalized) codes can be supported to provide a digital LOTO hasp.That is, the circuit interrupter 15 can be configured to requiremultiple digital keys 225 ₁, 225 ₂ be entered and/or transmitted beforedirecting the lock out lock 28 to move to an unlocked position as amulti-lock safety hasp.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of at least one digital key 225configured to concurrently (or substantially concurrently, such aswithin 30 seconds of each other) lock and/or unlock a plurality ofcircuit interrupters 15. The system 10 can be configured to apply orremove multiple lock-out locks 28 with a single operation using oneelectronic key 225 or using multiple electronic keys (of the same ordifferent users) for additional safety.

Embodiments of the present invention can provide the ability to pairmultiple electronic keys, for example, in complex main tie main lineups,instead of having to fumble with multiple keys and locks. Embodiments ofthe invention can provide lock-out relationship profiles 52 (FIG. 1) ina database in communication with or onboard the dashboard 50 and/or viathe mobile device 200 that electronically direct the lock-out locks 28to lock/unlock multiple different circuit interrupters 15 defined by therelationship profiles and these different electronic keys can changebetween protection schemes defined by the profiles. This can open up thepossibility of operating conventional manual transfer schemes remotelywhile maintaining safety against unwanted manual operations.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a system 10 configured to use(personal) smartphones as the mobile devices 200 to provide a digitalkey 225 that accepts a digital key signal 225 s. For example, smartphones have a unique digital identifier, known as IMEI—InternationalMobile Equipment Identity. Thus, a user can electronically direct thelock-out lock 28 to more to the locked position or direct the lock-outlock 28 to more to the unlocked position using a (personal) smart phone,optionally via an APP on the mobile device 200. The digital key 225 canbe the smartphone's IMEI. The mobile device 200 can communicate with thetrip unit 24 via BLUETOOTH communication. Again, the trip unit 24 candisplay the do not operate tag on the display 25.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a system 10 that can employbiometric data 1225 to identify authorized users used for generating orverifying a digital key 225. For example, a user can use a smartphone200 to detect biometric data of that user that can be used by a LOTO APP210. The biometric data 1225 can include facial recognition,fingerprints, eye retina or iris, even voice identification. Forexample, the biometric data 1225 can comprise a photograph taken by acamera of the mobile device or fingerprint data using a fingerprintscanner of the mobile device 200.

In other embodiments, the circuit interrupter 15 can be configured toprovide a biometric identification system that obtains biometric data ofa user before allowing electronic operation of the lock-out lock to thelocked position and to the unlocked position.

By way of example, a user can electronically direct the lock-out lock 28to move to the locked out position or move the lock-out lock 28 to theunlocked positon by using a mobile device such as a smartphone,optionally with an APP 210. The APP 210 can obtain the biometric data1225. In one example, the camera 200 c can take a picture of the userand apply commercial facial recognition techniques. The APP 210 canelectronically transmit the facial identification data to trip unit 24(using BLUETOOTH, for example), optionally via the communicationsinterface 32, that then directs the lock-out lock 28 to move to thelocked position thereby locking the circuit interrupter 15 in the lockedout state. Again the trip unit 24 displays the do not operate tag. Theprocess can be used in the reverse, optionally also providing averification step within the APP 210, such as with a time sensitivedigital code, before allowing a user via the mobile device 200 to movethe lock-out lock 28 to the unlocked position.

FIG. 10 is an example flow chart of actions that can be carried outaccording to embodiments of the present invention. At least one circuitinterrupter with a lock-out system comprising a lock-out lock isprovided (block 300). User input from a user is accepted to deploy thelock to a locked position associated with a lock out state of thecircuit interrupter (block 310). The lock is electronically confirmed tobe in a proper lock out position based on data from at least one sensorin the circuit interrupter and in communication with the lock (block320). User input is electronically accepted from only a defined user(typically the same user that placed the circuit interrupter in the lockout state) to deploy the lock to an unlocked position allowing thecircuit interrupter to be energized (block 330).

Status of a plurality of circuit interrupters is monitored at adashboard, wherein each circuit interrupter has a status/state of oneof: tripped; open; closed; or locked-out (block 302).

The dashboard has a display that identifies circuit interrupters in alocked-out state with a visual overlay that is different from the otherstates (block 305).

A visual “DO NOT OPERATE”/lock out warning is displayed on a display ofthe circuit interrupter when the lock is in the locked position with thecircuit interrupter in the lock out state (block 312).

The accepting user input from the defined user can be configured toconcurrently deploy respective lock-out locks from a single one or aplurality of different circuit interrupters (block 313).

The user input can be provided by an externally accessible userinterface of the circuit interrupter that is in the trip unit or incommunication with the trip unit in the circuit interrupter (block 314).

The user input can be provided by a mobile device (block 315).

The user input can be provided by an APP on a mobile device (block 316).

The mobile device can provide a unique identifier of the user (block317).

The APP can provide a personalized code for the user (block 318).

The APP can use biometrics to identify a user (block 319).

FIG. 11 is an example flow chart of actions that can be carried outaccording to embodiments of the present invention. An electricaldistribution system comprising a plurality of circuit interrupters, eachwith at least one lock-out lock, is provided (block 400). The at leastone lock-out lock is electronically directed to move to a lockedposition in or on or in and on the circuit interrupter (block 410). Alock-out warning is displayed on a display of the circuit interrupterwith the lock in the locked position (block 420). A lock-out statussignal is transmitted to a dashboard that displays a status of each ofthe circuit interrupters as one of: open, closed, locked-out, tripped(block 430).

The at least one lock-out lock can be configured to block an externalhandle of the circuit breaker in an OFF position (block 402).

The at least one lock-out lock comprises a lock-out solenoid (differentfrom and optionally spaced apart from a trip solenoid) with a shaftconfigured to selectively extend and retract to provide the locked andunlocked positions (block 404).

The at least one lock can be electronically confirmed to be in a properlocked position (block 411).

A locked-out position confirmation signal can be sent to the dashboardand/or a mobile device of a user (block 412).

Sensor data can be obtained from a sensor in communication with the atleast one lock-out lock for the electronically confirmation (block 413).

Displaying on the display of the circuit interrupter in the locked-outstate that the at least one lock-out lock is confirmed as in the proper(fully deployed) locked-out position (block 414).

Displaying a name of the user initiating the lock-out state on thedisplay, optionally with a date the lock-out state was instituted (block421).

A database of authorized service personnel with correlated uniqueidentifiers can be provided (block 406).

The circuit interrupter or mobile device can identify a uniqueidentifier (virtual key) that is unique to a user (authorized servicepersonnel) (block 415).

The circuit interrupter or mobile device can electronically identify auser that initiates the electronically directing (block 416).

User biometric data to identify a user can be obtained (block 418).

Before electronically directing the at least one lock, a unique userelectronic identifier, optionally a mobile device IMEI, can beidentified (block 419).

An APP accessed using a mobile device can be provided to communicatewith the circuit interrupter and carry out the directing steps (block425).

A one-time security code can be sent to a user to verify that a user isan authorized user before allowing the user to initiate one or either ofthe directing steps (block 427).

Prior to electronically directing the at least one lock-out lock to moveto an unlocked position in the circuit interrupter, identifying that auser is the original user (block 423).

Referring to FIG. 12, embodiments of the invention may be configured asa data processing system 600, which can include a (one or more)processors 610, a memory 636 and input/output circuits 646.

The one or more processors 610 can be part of a server, router, mobiledevice, dashboard or trip unit processing circuit.

The data processing system 600 may be incorporated in, for example, oneor more of a mobile device such as a smartphone or personal computer,database, dashboard, server, router or the like.

The data processing system 600 can reside on one machine or bedistributed over a plurality of machines and/or in the “cloud”.

The processor 610 communicates with the memory 636 via an address/databus 648 and communicates with the input/output circuits 646 via anaddress/data bus 649. The input/output circuits 646 can be used totransfer information between the memory (memory and/or storage media)636 and another computer system or a network using, for example, anInternet protocol (IP) connection. These components may be conventionalcomponents such as those used in many conventional data processingsystems, which may be configured to operate as described herein.

In particular, the processor 610 can be commercially available or custommicroprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor or the like.The memory 636 may include any memory devices and/or storage mediacontaining the software and data used to implement the functionalitycircuits or modules used in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. The memory 636 can include, but is not limited to, thefollowing types of devices: ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory,SRAM, DRAM and magnetic disk. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, the memory 636 may be a content addressable memory (CAM).

As further illustrated in FIG. 12, the memory (and/or storage media) 636may include several categories of software and data used in the dataprocessing system: an operating system 652; application programs 654;input/output device drivers 658; and data 656. As will be appreciated bythose of skill in the art, the operating system 652 may be any operatingsystem suitable for use with a data processing system, such as IBM®,OS/2®, AIX® or zOS® operating systems or Microsoft® Windows® 10 orWindowsXP operating systems, FreeRTOS operating system, Unix or Linux™,IBM, OS/2, AIX and zOS are trademarks of International Business MachinesCorporation in the United States, other countries, or both while Linuxis a trademark of Linus Torvalds in the United States, other countries,or both. Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporationin the United States, other countries, or both. The input/output devicedrivers 658 typically include software routines accessed through theoperating system 652 by the application programs 654 to communicate withdevices such as the input/output circuits 646 and certain memory 636components. The application programs 654 are illustrative of theprograms that implement the various features of the circuits, methodsteps discussed above and/or modules according to some embodiments ofthe present invention. Finally, the data 656 represents the static anddynamic data used by the application programs 654 the operating system652 the input/output device drivers 658 and other software programs thatmay reside in the memory 636.

The data 656 may include (archived or stored) digital data setscorrelated to respective service operators and/or circuit interrupterssuch as circuit breaker data 120.

As further illustrated in FIG. 12, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention, the application programs 654 include a LOTO module624, an electronic key module 625 and/or a userauthentication/verification module 626. The LOTO module 624 cancommunicate with or provide the LOTO APP 210. The electronic key module625 can be configured to allow custom profiles of different circuitinterrupter lock-out relationships and/or different multiple electronickey operations of different users and/or different components of theelectrical distribution system 10.

The application program 654 may be located in a local server (orprocessor) and/or database or a remote server (or processor) and/ordatabase, or combinations of local and remote databases and/or servers.

While the present invention is illustrated with reference to theapplication programs 654, and modules 624, 625 and 626 in FIG. 12, aswill be appreciated by those of skill in the art, other configurationsfall within the scope of the present invention. For example, rather thanbeing application programs 654 these circuits and modules may also beincorporated into the operating system 652 or other such logicaldivision of the data processing system. Furthermore, while theapplication programs 624, 625, 626 are illustrated in a single dataprocessing system, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art,such functionality may be distributed across one or more data processingsystems in, for example, the type of client/server arrangement describedabove. Thus, the present invention should not be construed as limited tothe configurations illustrated in FIG. 12 but may be provided by otherarrangements and/or divisions of functions between data processingsystems. For example, although FIG. 12 is illustrated as having variousmodules, one or more of these modules may be combined or separatedwithout departing from the scope of the present invention.

Where the database 55 is provided using a server 700 (FIG. 1), theserver 700 may be embodied as a standalone server or may be contained aspart of other computing infrastructures. The server 700 may be embodiedas one or more enterprise, application, personal, pervasive and/orembedded computer systems that may be standalone or interconnected by apublic and/or private, real and/or virtual, wired and/or wirelessnetwork including the Internet, and may include various types oftangible, non-transitory computer-readable media. The server 700 mayalso communicate with the network via wired or wireless connections, andmay include various types of tangible, non-transitory computer-readablemedia.

The dashboard 50 and/or server 700 can be provided using cloud computingwhich includes the provision of computational resources on demand via acomputer network. The resources can be embodied as variousinfrastructure services (e.g., compute, storage, etc.) as well asapplications, databases, file services, email, etc. In the traditionalmodel of computing, both data and software are typically fully containedon the user's computer; in cloud computing, the user's computer maycontain little software or data (perhaps an operating system and/or webbrowser), and may serve as little more than a display terminal forprocesses occurring on a network of external computers. A cloudcomputing service (or an aggregation of multiple cloud resources) may begenerally referred to as the “cloud”. Cloud storage may include a modelof networked computer data storage where data is stored on multiplevirtual servers, rather than being hosted on one or more dedicatedservers.

Users can communicate with the dashboard 50 and/or server 700 via acomputer network, such as one or more of local area networks (LAN), widearea networks (WAN) and can include a private intranet and/or the publicInternet (also known as the World Wide Web or “the web” or “theInternet.” The dashboard 50 and/or server 700 can include and/or be incommunication with the modules 624, 625, 626 using appropriatefirewalls.

Embodiments of the present invention may take the form of an entirelysoftware embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardwareaspects, all generally referred to herein as a “circuit” or “module.”Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of a computerprogram product on a (non-transient) computer-usable storage mediumhaving computer-usable program code embodied in the medium. Any suitablecomputer readable medium may be utilized including hard disks, CD-ROMs,optical storage devices, a transmission media such as those supportingthe Internet or an intranet, or magnetic storage devices. Some circuits,modules or routines may be written in assembly language or evenmicro-code to enhance performance and/or memory usage. It will befurther appreciated that the functionality of any or all of the programmodules may also be implemented using discrete hardware components, oneor more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or aprogrammed digital signal processor or microcontroller. Embodiments ofthe present invention are not limited to a particular programminglanguage.

Computer program code for carrying out operations of data processingsystems, method steps or actions, modules or circuits (or portionsthereof) discussed herein may be written in a high-level programminglanguage, such as Python, Java, AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript), C,and/or C++, for development convenience. In addition, computer programcode for carrying out operations of exemplary embodiments may also bewritten in other programming languages, such as, but not limited to,interpreted languages. Some modules or routines may be written inassembly language or even micro-code to enhance performance and/ormemory usage. However, embodiments are not limited to a particularprogramming language. As noted above, the functionality of any or all ofthe program modules may also be implemented using discrete hardwarecomponents, one or more application specific integrated circuits(ASICs), or a programmed digital signal processor or microcontroller.The program code may execute entirely on one computer (e.g., aworkstation, circuit breaker, mobile device), partly on one computer, asa stand-alone software package, partly on the workstation's computer andpartly on another computer, local and/or remote or entirely on the otherlocal or remote computer. In the latter scenario, the other local orremote computer may be connected to the user's computer through a localarea network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection maybe made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet usingan Internet Service Provider).

The present invention is described in part with reference to flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) andcomputer program products according to embodiments of the invention. Itwill be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/orblock diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computerprogram instructions. These computer program instructions may beprovided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purposecomputer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce amachine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor ofthe computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, createmeans for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchartand/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including instruction meanswhich implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer orother programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series ofoperational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing some or all of thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowcharts and block diagrams of certain of the figures hereinillustrate exemplary architecture, functionality, and operation ofpossible implementations of embodiments of the present invention. Inthis regard, each block in the flow charts or block diagrams representsa module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or moreexecutable instructions for implementing the specified logicalfunction(s). It should also be noted that in some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order or two or more blocks may becombined, depending upon the functionality involved.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example circuit interrupter 15 with the at leastone lock-out lock 28 and the trip solenoid 815 of a TA circuit 8. The atleast one lock-out lock 28 can comprise a lock solenoid 28 a that can beconfigured to direct the lock member 28 m to travel toward the handle228 to the locked position and away from the handle 228 to the unlockedinternal position.

The trip solenoid 815 can be configured to translate toward and awayfrom one or more of a bimetal member 867 (where a non-electronic tripunit is used), armature 875 and magnet 885. The trip solenoid 815 can becoupled to a printed circuit board 810. The travel can optionally beperpendicular to the travel direction of the trip solenoid 815. Thecircuit interrupter 15 may also comprise a movable contact arm 840, arcchute 820, mechanism spring 848, a collar assembly 880, a pigtail 815and a line terminal assembly 811.

FIG. 14 illustrates a retrofit kit 900 that can be used to retrofitcircuit interrupters 15. The kit 900 can include a bracket 915 formounting to the housing 15 h of the circuit interrupter 15 adjacent thehandle 228 thereof, mounting screws 915, lock attachment screws 920 andat least one electronically operable lock-out key 28 with a lock member28 m and actuator 28 a. The actuator 28 a is coupled to an electroniccontrol circuit 30 and power supply source 33 of the lock out key 28.The lock-out key 28 can also comprise a transceiver 32 t and/or acommunication interface 32. The lock-out key 28 may be providedseparately or be provided as part of the kit 900.

As shown, the lock attachment screws 920 extend through apertures 928 inthe lock out lock 28 and couple to the mounting bracket 910. Themounting bracket 910 may have an “L” shape as shown, but other shapesmay be used. The mounting bracket 910 positions the lock member 28 mover the handle 228 in the locked state and allows the lock member 28 toretract to unblock the handle 228 in the unlocked state.

FIG. 15 illustrates a circuit interrupter 15 comprising anelectronically operable lock-out lock 28 coupled to a front surface 15 fof a housing 15 h with the lock member 28 m extending laterally adistance D over the handle 228 in a locked/blocked state. Thisconfiguration is not required to be only for (field or factory) retrofitbut may be OEM as well or alternatively. The distance “D” can be atleast 25% of a lateral extent of the handle 228 and may extend in arange between 25% and 150% of the lateral extent of the handle 228, froman outermost position that positons the lock member 28 m spaced apart adistance from the handle 228 so that it does not block movement of thehandle 228.

The lock-out lock 28 may be slidably mounted to the housing 15 h and canbe coupled to a slot 15 s and electronically actuated to travel rightand left the distance D between blocked and unblocked positions. Thelock-out lock 28 can be configured to communicate with a mobile device200 of a user/technician and/or dashboard 50.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example power distribution system cabinet 100with a plurality of circuit interrupters 15 in the second to fourthsections 150 ₂, 150 ₃, 150 ₄ between feeder sections 150 ₁, 150 ₅ andone or more of the circuit interrupters 15 can include the at least oneelectronically operable lock-out lock 28. In this example, there arethree circuit breakers 15 ₁, 15 ₂, 15 ₃ provided as the circuitinterrupters 15.

The first breaker 15 ₁ is the incoming main from utility power. Thethird breaker 15 ₃ is the alternate incoming main (ex from a generator).The first and fifth sections 150 ₁ and 150 ₅ are “feeder” sections thatrun to multiple downstream loads in the system. Both structures needpower at the same time but the ability to be separated if necessary.

The second breaker 15 ₂ is the “Tie” breaker that connects the left sideand right side of the lineups.

Breakers 15 ₁, 15 ₂, and 15 ₃ can all have lock-out key locks 28attached to them but only two can be closed at any one time. NormalProtocol: Breakers 15 ₁& 15 ₂ are in the “CLOSED” position. Sections 150₁ and 150 ₅ are both receiving power. Breaker 15 ₃ must remain in the“OPEN” position. Back-up Protocol: Breakers 15 ₂ & 15 ₃ are in the“CLOSED” position. Sections 150 ₁ and 150 ₅ are both receiving power.Breaker 15 ₁ must remain in the “OPEN” position.

Alternate Protocol: Breakers 15 ₁& 15 ₃ are in the “CLOSED” position.Section 150 ₁ receives power from Main 1; Section 150 ₅ receives powerfrom Main 3. The Tie breaker 15 ₂ is OPEN so the left and right sectionsare not connected.

Breakers 15 ₁, 15 ₂, & 15 ₃ are never all allowed to be concurrently“CLOSED”. If all three were closed concurrently, this condition canallow utility power and generator power to enter the system at the sametime which is undesirable (likely damage to generator & otherequipment).

The power system 10, power distribution cabinet 100, dashboard 50,database 55 and/or LOTO APP 210 can be configured to communicate withthe three breakers 15 ₁, 15 ₂, and 15 ₃ to know, for example, thateither a) breakers 15 ₁ and 15 ₂ are in the ON position so the lock-outkey 28 on breaker 15 ₃ cannot be unlocked or b) know that locks 28 forbreakers 15 ₁ & 15 ₂ are in the unlocked position so that lock 28 forbreaker 15 ₃ cannot be unlocked. The LOTO APP 210 and/or database 55 canbe configured to deny access to any electronic keys and preventactuation of respective locks 28 that would violate these rules toprovide suitable safety protocols.

The three breakers 15 ₁, 15 ₂ and 15 ₃ can be configured to communicatewith each other as well as one or more of the power system 10, powerdistribution cabinet 100, database 55, LOTO APP 210 to provideelectronic access keys to control ON and OFF states of the lock-outlocks 28 based on defined safety protocols.

The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to beconstrued as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments ofthis invention have been described, those skilled in the art willreadily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplaryembodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings andadvantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of this invention. Therefore,it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the presentinvention and is not to be construed as limited to the specificembodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosedembodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the invention.

That which is claimed:
 1. A circuit interrupter, comprising: a housingwith a line side and a load side; a switch handle affixed to a frontwall of the housing whereby the switch handle is non-detachably coupledto the housing; and an electronically operable lock comprising a lockmember coupled to the housing configured to electronically controllablytravel between a first position and a second position, wherein, in thesecond position, the lock member is in a lock-out position and preventsthe switch handle from moving to an ON position associated withelectrical current conduction, and wherein, in the first position, thelock member is in a position that allows the switch handle to move tothe ON position.
 2. The circuit interrupter of claim 1, wherein the lockcomprises a lock actuator that is spaced apart from a primary tripsolenoid.
 3. The circuit interrupter of claim 2, wherein the lockactuator travels in a direction that is toward the handle to move thelock member to the second position and travels in an opposing directionthat is inward away from the handle to move the lock member to the firstposition.
 4. The circuit interrupter of claim 2, wherein the lock membertravels in a direction that is perpendicular to a direction of travel ofthe primary trip solenoid.
 5. The circuit interrupter of claim 1,further comprising a position sensor coupled to the housing configuredto confirm whether the lock member is in the second position.
 6. Thecircuit interrupter of claim 1, wherein the lock member is configured tocontrollably move to the first position and/or the second position inresponse to activation of an actuator of the lock by one or more definedelectronic keys.
 7. The circuit interrupter of claim 1, wherein aprimary trip solenoid and the lock are provided as components of a tripunit in the housing, and wherein the trip unit comprises acommunications interface with a display and is configured to communicatewith a communications bus of an electrical distribution system.
 8. Thecircuit interrupter of claim 1, wherein the lock member of the lockphysically blocks the handle from moving and provides a force thatresists manual movement of the handle in a range of 10 lbf (foot pounds)to 10,000 lbf (foot pounds) when in the locked-out position.
 9. Acircuit interrupter, comprising: a housing with a line side and a loadside; a switch handle coupled to the housing; an electronically operablelock comprising a lock member coupled to the housing configured toelectronically controllably travel between a first position and a secondposition, wherein, in the second position, the lock member is in alock-out position and prevents the switch handle from moving to an ONposition associated with electrical current conduction, and wherein, inthe first position, the lock member is in a position that allows theswitch handle to move to the ON position; a display held by the housing;and at least one processor in the housing in communication with aprimary trip solenoid and the lock, wherein, when the lock member is inthe second position, the display displays visual indicia of a lock outtag out status of the circuit interrupter.
 10. The circuit interrupterof claim 9, wherein the visual indicia comprises a “DO NOT OPERATE”warning and a name of a person placing the circuit interrupter in thelock out tag out status.
 11. A circuit interrupter, comprising: ahousing with a line side and a load side; a switch handle coupled to thehousing; an electronically operable lock comprising a lock membercoupled to the housing configured to electronically controllably travelbetween a first position and a second position, wherein, in the secondposition, the lock member is in a lock-out position and prevents theswitch handle from moving to an ON position associated with electricalcurrent conduction, and wherein, in the first position, the lock memberis in a position that allows the switch handle to move to the ONposition; and a transceiver held by or in the housing and incommunication with the lock, wherein the transceiver is configured toreceive one or more control signals from a first mobile device of afirst user to cause the lock member to move to the second position. 12.The circuit interrupter of claim 11, wherein the transceiver isconfigured to receive the one or more control signals from differentmobile devices of different users and only allow the lock member to moveto the second position if the user is the first user and/or the mobiledevice is the first mobile device to thereby provide an additional layerof safety for removing the lock out status by only the original, firstuser.
 13. A circuit interrupter, comprising: a housing with a line sideand a load side; a switch handle coupled to the housing; and anelectronically operable lock comprising a lock member coupled to thehousing configured to electronically controllably travel between a firstposition and a second position, wherein, in the second position, thelock member is in a lock-out position and prevents the switch handlefrom moving to an ON position associated with electrical currentconduction, and wherein, in the first position, the lock member is in aposition that allows the switch handle to move to the ON position,wherein the circuit interrupter is configured to wirelessly communicatewith a mobile device comprising and/or in communication with an APP tocontrol movement of the lock member.
 14. A circuit interrupter,comprising: a housing with a line side and a load side; a switch handlecoupled to the housing; and an electronically operable lock comprising alock member coupled to the housing configured to electronicallycontrollably travel between a first position and a second position,wherein, in the second position, the lock member is in a lock-outposition and prevents the switch handle from moving to an ON positionassociated with electrical current conduction, and wherein, in the firstposition, the lock member is in a position that allows the switch handleto move to the ON position, wherein the circuit interrupter isconfigured to require multiple defined electronic key inputs beforeelectronically directing the lock member to move from the secondposition to the first position.
 15. A field retrofit lock-out locksystem for a circuit breaker, comprising: a bracket configured to coupleto a housing of a circuit breaker; and an electromechanical actuatorassembly coupled to or coupleable to the bracket, wherein theelectromechanical actuator assembly comprises: an electronic controlcircuit configured to accept a digital key input from a user; anactuator in communication with the electronic control circuit; and alock member controlled by the actuator, wherein the actuator isconfigured to move the lock member in first and second directionsbetween first and second positions relative to a switch handle of thecircuit breaker in response to directions from the electronic controlcircuit, wherein, in the first position, the lock member blocks theswitch handle from moving, and wherein, in the second position, the lockmember unblocks the switch handle.
 16. The retrofit kit of claim 15,wherein the electronic control circuit comprises a transceiver.
 17. Theretrofit kit of claim 16, wherein the electronic control circuit isconfigured to wirelessly communicate with a mobile device comprisingand/or in communication with an APP to control the actuator to move thelock member only upon receipt of a defined digital key input provided tothe mobile device by the APP.
 18. The retrofit kit of claim 15, whereinthe bracket and actuator assembly reside external to the housing of thecircuit breaker.
 19. The retrofit kit of claim 15, wherein theelectronic control circuit is configured to require multiple definedelectronic key inputs before directing the actuator to move the lockmember from the first position to the second position.